BOWLER Richard Oakley lauded a captain’s innings from Alex Senneck as his unbeaten century set up an opening day 108-run win over Great Bedwyn.

Senneck arrived at the crease with his side in a spot of bother at 49-3 but a fabulous 104 not out helped Westbury post 220-7 at the close of the innings.

Oakley then led the charge with the ball as Great Bedwyn began their reply, taking 5-27 to help skittle the visitors out for 112.

Andy Carroll backed him up with 3-20, while Great Bedwyn opener Casey Grocke carried his bat through the innings to score 59 not out.

Oakley said: “It was a very decent knock from Alex. We were in a bit of trouble but he came in and played a real captain’s innings.

“Great Bedwyn bowled well and we were under a bit of pressure but he came in and played beautifully. It was a fantastic knock.

“We didn’t get off to the best of starts and we said if we could get up to around or beyond the 200 mark, we could still defend that.

“It was a good wicket but there was something there for the bowlers and we backed ourselves. We knew if we could bowl well, we could win the game.

“I had a decent season last year and was the top wicket-taker in the whole of the WEPL, so continue that in the first game this year was very pleasing.

“But I have to give credit to the whole attack. All of the bowlers bowled really well and we kept the pressure on them right through the innings.”

Having finished as runners-up to near neighbours Trowbridge in the Wiltshire Division last term, Oakley says this was the perfect start as they look to go one better in 2016.

“It’s a great way to start. We finished as runners-up last season so this year we’d like to try to push for the title again and go that one step further,” added Oakley.

“We are trying to improve on last year. It’s a long season but this is a good way to start.”

Trowbridge also got off to a triumphant start but only off the final ball of their match at home to Devizes, which they won by one wicket.

The visitors looked on course to defend their below par total of 169-7 but Trowbridge’s final pair eventually scraped their side over the line, finishing on 173-9.